How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony! — Psalms 133:1 NLT
Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism,one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all. — Ephesians 4:3-6 NLT
I have often wondered why there are so many denominations in the body of Christ, such as the Orthodox, Evangelical, Pentecostal, and Charismatic churches etc. Considering it’s the same Jesus Christ, I’m not entirely sure of the reasons behind their formation as they all have differing approaches to the gospel. It appears, however, that Jesus or the gospel may not be the central focus of their formation.
Each group will claim they’re united by a common purpose, ethos and practice which they believe, gives them a somewhat special relationship, connection, or favourable access to God. With each group focused on their unique characteristics, this will not bring unity to the body of Christ.
Did Jesus foresee these different groups and the potential disunity when He prayed to the Father for believers to be one? – “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began!” John 17:20-24 (NLT)
Jesus prayed for unity for His disciples and all believers who will believe in Him through the disciples’ message of salvation. Believers are united in common through the eternal life shared by all who believe the truth of the gospel.
Just as the Trinity have unique roles, however, they are completely united in every aspect of their divine nature and plan including salvation. Believers’ unity is to be patterned or modelled on the unity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Believers are to be united primarily in working towards bringing the world to believe in the Father and the Son. Every other practice, observance and belief which are often man-made, are secondary and should never be the reasons for disunity.
The gospel is never about a place, religion, culture, practices, observances, beliefs or inheritance. The gospel is about a person – the person of Jesus Christ and He alone unifies His Church.
Stay blessed,
LaraLex
Hills and Valleys 
Like you, I too used to question why so many fractions in the body of Christ? Honestly, I think a lot of it comes down to man’s unwillingness to submit to the authority of the Bible.
Rather than submit to the clear teachings of scripture which requires a humble and teachable spirit, some find it easier to start their own “church” that is custom tailored to their own beliefs.
I saw this in action driving through West Virginia where it seemed there was a tiny church every few hundred feet. Converted house trailers, empty gas stations, and pop up shelters all served as yet another testament of how fractured the church can get if allowed.
That there are so m y different denominations is considered a plus by many, by others it is seen as proof of how far we have drifted from the simplicity of Christ.
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Great comment Ron and thanks. Interestingly, I was in South Charlston WV, last month for Thanksgiving, and you’re right about number of small churches dotted here and there.
I do agree with you that one of the reasons for so many churches is because people’s unwillingness to submit to the authority of the bible. You only need to travel to Nigeria to see how churches are dotted everywhere like they’re competing with each other, and the majority are set up purely on personal motives. Will it get better? 😕🤔
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I’d sure like to think the situation will get better, but I believe it will only continue to get worse.
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A prayer point for us, then I suppose 🙏
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